Warthen RV Park in Washington County, Georgia, stands as an emerging getaway for Black Atlantans seeking a peaceful escape. The 27-acre property near Sandersville initially served a different purpose, but it has evolved into a meeting place shaped by community connections.
“I thought what a great opportunity to grab some land that would connect right to my mom’s land and sort of where my granddad lives and my uncle lives,” said Josh Gordy, owner of Warthen RV Park in Washington County, in one article. “Sort of, expanding our footprint on the town,” he added, describing how family ties sparked initial interest in the property.
According to Gordy, “There was a social Facebook group, ‘African Americans who RV and camp,’” that inspired a shift toward a recreational focus. “That just got the wheels spinning,” he said, recounting how a simple meetup soon transformed the park’s direction through the same source.
“Just like four years ago, we started heavily focusing on the recreational side of it. That was another eye opening moment. You know, it’s a lifestyle,” he said during that coverage. He estimated that around 70 percent of visitors come from metro Atlanta’s African American communities, reflecting the park’s growing appeal as an inclusive space.
“What was even more surprising is how many of us, you know, the ‘melanated’ community take part in it and find peace and refuge in doing it. That was definitely exciting and sparked another level of passion to make the park special,” Gordy noted in that interview. He mentioned that newcomers often appreciate the calming effect of being immersed in nature, especially if it is their first time experiencing such quiet surroundings.
Gordy recalled his own upbringing, describing personal moments of “Coonhunting with my granddad, backwood creek fishing type stuff. We would drive down dirt roads, pull over to the side, find us a creek and you know, drop a line,” he told a reporter. “Even at a young age, you can recognize that there’s something special about it,” he said, illustrating a personal connection to rural life.
The park’s emphasis on relaxation has resonated with many urban professionals who occasionally need a break from city life. “Studies are showing, people are just burned out and going through a lot, and if we can be that place to let them come and be themselves, relax with other like-minded folk in the RV community, that’s what it’s all about,” Gordy said in the same piece. He added, “We want you to leave better than you came.”
One of the challenges for first-time campers across the country is understanding basic setup tasks, a factor highlighted by 38 percent of new participants who felt intimidated, according to a KOA survey. Industry recommendations include welcoming orientation sessions, user-friendly informational signage, and convenient gear rentals for those who need a gentle introduction to outdoor living.
Warthen RV Park has seen that accommodating beginners fosters confidence and long-term enthusiasm. By guiding guests on safe campfire practices and property navigation, the owners mirror widely suggested best practices that help remove barriers for city dwellers who may be unaccustomed to rural environments. This approach aligns with general strategies that encourage families to ease into nature while feeling at ease.
Meanwhile, the park’s growth also reflects a larger shift occurring in the RV industry. As of 2025, about 30 percent of RV owners represent growth audiences including African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and LGBTQ+ individuals, based on data from RVIA. Rising interest in remote work and pet-friendly travel has helped fuel a broader embrace of mobile recreation.
Many operators are turning to social media partnerships to reach these emerging demographics. Warthen RV Park’s collaboration with “African Americans who RV and Camp” shows how aligning with culturally specific communities can result in strong word-of-mouth referrals and an inclusive environment. Encouraging user-generated content and spotlighting guest experiences also helps campsite managers build trust among prospective visitors.
“You constantly hear, ‘it’s never been this quiet before in my life,’” Gordy said in that account. For individuals seeking a respite from fast-paced routines, Warthen RV Park offers a welcoming escape rooted in shared experiences, social connections, and the rejuvenating stillness that only rural Georgia can provide.